26 October 2010

Independent Fabrications City Bike

Spotted sometimes on Newbury Street, this bike always makes my husband stop for a second look. Those green and yellow rims are even the Indy Fab colors.

One thing that's made clear by this rusting steel washer and nut next to a pristine seat stay - a titanium frame makes some sense for an all-season bike like this one. Expensive for all of us who don't work at IndyFab, but certainly practical in Boston!

the way i see it, a rust-resistant (or -proof) frame is only as practical as the hardware that connects parts to it. sure, hardware can be replaced, but rusting hardware can still cause problems. for rust-proof city bikes, i like using stainless steel hardware wherever possible.

I need to break down and place a bulk order of SS 5mm bolts, nuts and washers, it seems like I go through them at an impressive rate- although that may have been during bike construction times- and they're neither cheap nor available at every hardware store.